About Canadensis UMC
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is…
Sharing God’s love through outreach and service.
Our Church History
Shortly after 1830 Methodist Pastors were holding services in some of the houses and schools of our area. In 1855 the Paradise Circuit began with Canadensis, Oakland, Paradise Valley, Henryville, Naglesville and Price Township participating.
The first church in the area was built by Mr. John Pitt, a nonsectarian, on a site near the present Moravian cemetery in the year 1852. By 1857 the church was already in need of much repair. The Methodist Society moved its meeting place to a wagon house that was fitted with seats and located behind a store.
In 1858 the first Methodist Church in Canadensis was built at a cost of $1,200 on a site adjacent to the church’s cemetery approximately 1/2 mile south of the Canadensis traffic light. The present church was built in 1916 at a cost of $8,000 when the congregation outgrew this building. The church was expanded in 1950 and continues to serve our community today.
For Our Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What do United Methodists believe?
As a part of the worldwide United Methodist Church family, we follow a set of Bible-based, God inspired beliefs set forth by our denomination. To learn more about our beliefs, CLICK HERE.
Where should I park? Is there handicapped parking available?
There is a large parking lot adjacent to the church. Designated spaces for handicap parking are located near the route 447 entrance to the church. A handicap accessible entrance is located next to this parking area. There is a doorbell for usher assistance.
Handicap Accessibility
Our church is 100% handicap accessible. Parking spots are designated near the accessible entrance where a motorized chair lift provides access to all levels of the building; restrooms include handicap stalls; a doorbell at the handicap entrance to the church can be used to call an usher to ask for assistance. Large print bulletins and large print hymnals are available; microphones are used by all those leading worship.
What should I expect?
Guests are always welcome. Please join us and bring a friend on any Sunday. The focus of our traditional worship service is the reading and interpretation of scriptures. The members of our congregation are invited to join in the singing of hymns led by the beautiful sounds of our pipe organ and responsive readings and prayers that share our joys and concerns. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month.
What should I wear?
Some members of our congregation are “dressed to the nines” while others wear their favorite jeans. All are welcome and your attire should be chosen by your own personal preference.
Is there Sunday School?
A children’s worship experience is included as part of our morning worship service. After the “Children’s Moment” near the beginning of our worship service children are invited to leave the sanctuary to attend a lesson time in one of our classrooms.
Is there Children's Church or a Nursery?
Although we do not have a staffed nursery there is a classroom designated as a nursery on the lower level of the church that families are welcome to use. The worship service is broadcast into this room so that although you will not be seated in the sanctuary you will be able to hear and participate in worship.
Is the church available for events (i.e., weddings, funerals, etc.)?
We are happy to host weddings and funerals for those who wish to use this sacred space as they ask God to bless them and care for them in these special moments. Please contact our church office for more information about scheduling these special events.
How do I join the church?
We welcome anyone who wishes to become a member of our congregation. Our pastor will be happy to speak with you to make this a reality.
Who We Are
Meet Our Staff/Pastor
Pastor Mertice Shane
Mr. Shane, a Certified Lay Minister, returns to his home church with great
excitement to serve the people in the Barrett Township area. He was called into
ministry in 2010. He served as pastor at Paradise Valley: Keokee Chapel UMC
until returning to his home church at Canadensis in 2022.
Pastor Mert has served the church on numerous boards and committees on the
local church, conference, jurisdictional and general church levels. He is serving as
co-convener of the Healing the Wounds of Racism Core Accountability team. He
is actively involved in the Cross Racial/ Cross Cultural ministry as a trainer and companion.
After teaching on the college level for over 35 years, primarily in the area of
Athletic Training/Sports Medicine and Physical Education. He is a retired certified
athletic trainer. Beyond his background in education, he worked at several
agencies in counseling, primarily focused on addictions.
Mert and his wife, Gloria, have three sons, two daughters-in-law, three grandsons
and two granddaughters.
Linda Capone
Organist
Linda has been the organist at CUMC for almost 48 years. In 2006 she also started directing the choir. Prior to Linda’s position at CUMC she was the organist at Flicksville UCC in the Slate Belt area. Linda was also active as a Sunday school teacher for 25 years and participated in numerous Bible studies. She hopes to continue her position for years to come and thoroughly enjoys working with her church family.
Michael Capone
Sexton
Michael and his wife Linda have been members of the Canadensis Methodist Church for almost 50 years. Michael began his duties as the church’s sexton in 2011 and has also previously served as choir director and adult Sunday School teacher. In addition his work at Canadensis he also serves as organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Stroudsburg.
Elaine Jackson
Administrative Assistant
Elaine has been Canadensis Methodist Church’s Administrative Assistant/Financial Secretary since 2007. Her hours are flexible but she is usually in the office Mondays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You can let a message at the church number 570-595-7277 and she will return your call. Elaine and her husband Maurice (Ky) came to the Poconos from Schenectady, NY and joined the church in 1966. They both have served the church in many capacities over the years as have their children Mark and Sandy.